La Casa Lis is a handsome early 20th-century modernist mansion that houses Salamanca's Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum. Inside the building are 19 collections of decorative arts from the late 19th century until World War II, consisting of about 2,500 pieces. View the artistic architecture of the building’s south façade of stained glass and ironwork. Gaze up at the blues of the large stained-glass ceiling over the courtyard.
Wander through the exhibition halls and lounges, which are spread over the museum's two floors. View more than 200 glass pieces, including lamps, sculptures, perfume bottles and vases. Study chryselephantines, small sculptures made of bronze and ivory. This collection features more than 120 pieces from the art deco and art nouveau periods. The figures stand out because of the attention to detail that went into their creation.
Browse the collection of more than 400 porcelain dolls created by leading French and German manufacturers and workshops. The French dolls are notable for the sweetness of their features, while the German dolls are characterized by their lifelike appearances and realistic gestures. Look at the beautiful displays of jewelry pieces, such as art nouveau earrings, art deco brooches and watches by Rolex and Patek Philippe.
See highly decorative everyday items from the early 20th century, such as toothpick holders and ashtrays. Look for the delightful and amusing caricatures featured in their designs.
Among the other highlights of the museum is the small collection of paintings by Spanish artists including Federico Beltrán Masses, Josep Maria Tamburini and Olga Sacharoff.
Located in the center of Salamanca, the museum is about a 10-minute walk south of the Plaza Mayor. If you drive, use nearby metered parking garages.
The Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum is open every day except Monday. The admission fee is discounted for students, retirees and the unemployed. Children under the age of 14 get in free. On Thursdays, take advantage of free general admission during the morning.